Researchers at the University of Defense in Hradec Kralove in the Czech Republic tested a New Vaccine from GlaxoSmithKline Plc, against middle ear infection, or otitis media, reduced cases of the illness by about 30 percent in babies who had been vaccinated in the first six months of life. Roman Prymula et al, in their Phase III trial results Published in Lancet says that a reduction in ear, nose and throat specialist-confirmed episodes of acute otitis media by about a third in infants in the vaccine group compared with controls. The researchers tested the vaccine on nearly 5,000 infants who were either given three doses of the new vaccine — Streptorix — and a booster before 15-months-old or a vaccine for hepatitis A. Children who received the hepatitis vaccine acted as the control group. They reported that the study showed a statistically significant and clinically relevant reduction in episodes of acute otitis media.
Glaxo plans to submit the product for regulatory approval in Europe in 2007.
- Reuters Health
